Small Business Marketing Update – 5 Facebook Changes You Need To Know

Well, you knew it would happen. Just when you thought you had your small business marketing efforts on Facebook figured out, the channel has changed the playing field – again.

This time the changes will significantly alter how marketers will present their Facebook brand pages so it’s important to get up to speed quickly. Of course, that’s where we step in.

Here are 5 Facebook changes you need to know about:

1. One Cover Photo Only

Gone are the days of using photo strips as your cover photo. Now you’re limited to one large banner across the top of your page. Consider this an awesome opportunity to find an eye popping image of at least 399 pixels that people will love to see when they land on your page.

The photo can be a graphic or actual photograph. You might want to show a location beauty shot (like Macy’s does) or a charming image that reflects your brand’s personality (like Ben & Jerry’s).

2. No Call To Action on Your Cover

Facebook has rocked the marketing boat with the new change of not allowing a call to action on your cover photo. In addition, the cover must be devoid of:

Price or purchase information – No 25% off or “download it at our website”

Contact information – web, email or mailing address (this will now go in the “about” section)

References to user interface actions – such as like or shares

While the lack of a call-to-action on your cover might be especially hard to digest, we suggest that it’s really a great small business marketing motivator.

3. New Profile Photo Size

Now you’ve got 180 pixels that will scale down automatically to a length and width size of 32 pixels. Every time you post, this profile picture will appear with your updates, so it’s important to find an image that will still maintain quality in a smaller size.

It’s probably best to use your brand logo for the new profile pic to avoid viewing problems and give your brand instant recognition.

4. Better Opportunity For Content Display

We really like this new feature. Facebook has historically been all about story-telling and here is an example of the channel making it easier and more compelling to tell your brand’s story with increased size of photos and videos. Think of it as a small business marketing perk.

Now your sparkling multi-media content isn’t just easier to see upon first look, it can also be expanded by clicking the star icon on the upper right of the post. That click will cause the picture or video to span across your Timeline.

5. Company Milestones

Another interesting add-on to the business Timeline is the Milestones feature. You can add more texture to your content by posting important events that have occurred over time with your brand.

Here’s an added opportunity to not just attract eyes to your brand page but to keep them there, as well. You Timeline Milestones shouldn’t be limited to written content. Use the opportunity to create a visibly appealing page.

These are just a few of the changes Facebook implemented. For more information, check out the Facebook Changes Page. Don’t be daunted by the adjustments you’ll be required to initiate, think of them as a gentle nudge toward small business marketing improvement!